How to Opt Out of Data Collection by Data Brokers

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Photo: Jacob Lund (Shutterstock)

Each time you accept the privacy policies and terms of service on any app or website, there’s a chance some of your data is being sold. Information brokers, also known as data brokers, are organizations whose entire business model involves collecting your personal data and selling it to advertisers. This may include data such as your name, age, interests, gender, marital status, and much more. There’s little you can do to stop data collection entirely, but you can ask these brokers to stop selling your data.

How to stop data brokers from selling your data

The easiest way to start opting out of data collection is by downloading an app called Permission Slip. It’s made by Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization that helps people make better choices when they’re buying products. You can download Permission Slip on Android or iPhone and use the app to track which data brokers have your information. The app allows you to send requests to delete your data, to stop selling it, or even to delete your accounts at sites you don’t use any longer. Once you send these requests, the app will follow up on your behalf.

If you want to manually track data brokers and opt out of data collection, you can check out this GitHub page by Yael Grauer. It lists known data brokers and details how you can remove your information from those portals. If you scroll all the way down, you’ll also spot steps to take if you’re a victim of identity theft, and some third-party services that help you remove data from these brokers’ databases.

You should know that this process isn’t like unsubscribing from a newsletter; sometimes data brokers may take a few months to remove your information, so it can be a lengthy process, and you should periodically review it to see if more information has been collected.


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